Tampa Run Club helps the community stay healthy and active

TAMPA, Florida. – The co-founders of the Rolling Proud Run Club (RPRC) say everyone is welcome, regardless of their running ability.

The Tampa-based club believes in holistic health and meaningful community involvement. The first club was held in February for Black History Month.

What started with a small group of friends has grown into hundreds who look forward to the weekly runs.

“So the club started because Claudi and I were both avid runners in the Tampa community. We noticed that there was a lack of a diverse community in this area,” said Gio Derogene, one of the co-founders. “It was a small group, but now we sometimes have 300 to 400 people on a Tuesday.”

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The runs take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and usually start somewhere in downtown Tampa.

The club is suitable for beginners and offers different pace groups. The aim is to stay healthy and active together.

“The races are free to the public. We encourage people to participate whenever possible,” explained Claudi Fleuzinord, co-founder of the RPRC.

Fleuzinord says participating in a race means becoming part of the family and the growing community the duo has created.

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